Deutscher Umweltpreis: Steinmeier: Müssen Lebensweisen überdenken

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the need to prioritize climate protection over short-term political fluctuations. He stated that humanity must question its way of living and producing to leave a livable planet for future generations. The recent summer demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of global warming, including wildfires, low water levels affecting shipping, and 16,000 additional deaths, as reported by the Robert Koch-Institut.

Steinmeier highlighted that Europe is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. The Deutsche Umweltpreis, one of Europe's most prestigious environmental awards, recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to environmental protection and conservation. This year, the prize is shared by engineer Klaus Vossenkaul from Aachen and lawyer Roda Verheyen from Hamburg.

Vossenkaul was recognized for his innovative developments in membrane filter technology for wastewater treatment, while Verheyen received the award for promoting legal provisions for environmental and climate justice. Verheyen expressed her joy at receiving the award but also admitted to feeling "extremely sad." She pointed out that, according to the United Nations, the Earth is expected to reach 2.8 degrees of warming by the end of the century, which could result in millions of deaths.

Verheyen warned that the melting points in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Amazon could be reached, leading to a complete loss of humanity. She expressed her anger at the fact that people are willingly participating in their own destruction due to decades of being manipulated by the fossil industry. Verheyen emphasized that Germany and society, as well as large emitters, have been acting illegally and that no climate action is more expensive than any climate protection measure.

She criticized the argument that Germany should focus first on affordable energy supply to prevent economic decline, stating that no climate action is more expensive than any climate protection measure. The recent drought in the Rhine, which has caused billions in losses for the logistics industry, serves as a clear example of the consequences predicted by climate science.

Steinmeier urged for strong action against the consequences of global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting natural resources such as soils, forests, peatlands, and oceans. Vossenkaul, the other recipient of the award, was described by the Secretary-General of the German Environmental Foundation as the "engine driver" of wastewater treatment.

He developed a membrane filter technology that reduces energy consumption by up to 90 percent, allowing for the production of clean water from wastewater. Vossenkaul aims to establish a large production facility in Germany to secure the country's leadership in this field, but he is still looking for investors. Despite the fact that Germany often develops ideas domestically but outsources their implementation and production, Steinmeier praised Vossenkaul for protecting life foundations and contributing to Germany's financial consolidation.

The German Environmental Prize, which Steinmeier will deliver for the last time, has grown in his heart every year. He enjoyed looking forward to the award ceremony and meeting people with commitment and innovative ideas, which is why he felt a little sadness at delivering the last prize.